Cheaper competitors eroding Tesla’s EV market share

Tesla seems to be losing its lead over other vehicle manufacturers in the rush to grow its electric vehicle (EV) market share.

Priscilla du preez j Rj H Sce08 Os unsplash 24

According to a report released by S&P Global Mobility on Tuesday, 29 November, Tesla is losing share to competitors’ models that retail for less than $50 000 (approximately R850 000).

The loss in share comes despite Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk’s vision of the Model 3 being a “people’s EV”. Currently the Model 3 is retailing for $50 000, while the popular Model Y crossover retails for more than $65 000 (R1.1 million).

According to the report, some of the models retailing at less than $50 000 that are raining on Tesla’s parade include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf.

But Tesla is also under fire at the high-end luxury vehicle side of the market.

“Luxury EVs from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Polestar, Lucid and Rivian — as well as big-ticket items like the Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer and Chevrolet Silverado EV [pick-ups] — will plague Tesla at the high end of the market,” says S&P Global.

Currently, Tesla has 65% of the total EV market share in the US followed by Ford (7%), Kia (5%), Hyundai (4%), Chevrolet (4%), Audi (2%), Volkswagen (2%) and Rivian (2%).

In 2020, Tesla’s EV market share was 79% and it is expected that by 2025 it will fall by another 20%, according to the report.

More New Energy Vehicles stories

Leapmotor to debut at Stellantis dealerships

Leapmotor to debut at Stellantis dealerships

The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, Leapmotor, has entered South Africa and its vehicles will soon be available at selected Stellantis dealerships across the country.

  • 6 October 2025
Naamsa Road Trip 2025 ‘fill-up’ at CHARGE

Naamsa Road Trip 2025 ‘fill-up’ at CHARGE

Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) hosted the Naamsa New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Road Trip 2025 at its flagship, self-funded, off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast EV-charging station.

  • 29 September 2025
Porsche pulls back on EV ambitions as headwinds mount

Porsche pulls back on EV ambitions as headwinds mount

German luxury carmaker, Porsche AG, has significantly scaled back its electric vehicle strategy following a sharp downturn in demand, mounting pressures in China, and punitive US trade tariffs, forcing both the company and parent Volkswagen to substantially lower their profit expectations for 2025.

  • 24 September 2025